Thumb rules for Structural Design | RCC Structures

Design of RCC Structural Components

In this article, we are going to discuss the minimum standards that are to be followed for
the design of Structural components of a building such as Columns, beams, slab and
foundation. We will also discuss the minimum safe standards for the reinforcing bars that
are to be used for the design of the above mentioned Structural Components.

Minimum cross-sectional dimension for a Column: is 9x9. But to avoid slenderness ratio
problems in multistorey buildings, we prefer a rectangular column design of 9x12 which
is safer.
Also check out:
Thumb rules for making a Column Layout

Construction on Site | Design of RCC Structures

Minimum RCC beam size: is 9x9. But generally, to maintain uniformity and speed of
construction, we design all beams of the same size 9x12. But 9x9 can also be used
safely, according to design.
Minimum thickness of RCC slab is 4.5 because a slab may contain electrical pipes
embedded into them which could be 0.5 or even fatter for internal wiring, which effectively
reduces slab depths at certain places, causing cracking, weakening and water leakage
during rains. So, a minimum thickness of 4.5 should be maintained.
Minimum size of foundation for a single storey of G+1 building, where soil safe bearing
capacity is 30 tonnes per square meter, and the oncoming load on the column does not
exceed 30 tonnes, a size of 1m x 1m or 3 x 3 should be used. Even if the load is less (for
example only 20 tonnes) then also the minimum is 3x3 and depth of footing should be
atleast 4 below ground level if not more